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Actors often take something away after getting into a character for a few months. What was that takeaway value for you?

Gruffudd: I would never begin to compare myself to the great man. But I guess there's a lot of inward reflection, and he made you appreciate how much can be accomplished in a lifetime. You know, it would take me to live ten lifetimes, I think, to achieve half of what he did. Such was his nature, of just filling every minute of the day with something. And for him, everything was not just for self-advancement; it was the advancement of other people—for the community, for the society, and for all of the people. That's what's extraordinary, the giving nature of somebody like this.

I think the filmmakers and the studio hope this movie will not just entertain people, but inform them and maybe even stir them to action?

Gruffudd: Absolutely. The response so far to the movie has been, well, people are very inspired. There was a lady last night down in Dallas who was campaigning for a particular charity, and she told how they were struggling at the moment. But she left very invigorated and impassioned and inspired by the whole thing. Yes, this film has got that feeling to it. I remember as a child watching movies and feeling inspired, and wanting to become an actor, wanting to be part of those great moments in movie magic, those moments that cause you to leave the movie theater feeling inspired.

Many people think slavery is a thing of the past. But it's still very much a global problem?

Gruffudd: Yes, yes it is, heartily. It's sort of unfathomable in this day and age to imagine carting people around the world in boxes, as they were in the 19th century. I mean, that was the reason why it was brought to light back then. And Wilberforce was called to persevere with reminding people that this is how they were being carted across the world—and it sort of piqued every body's conscience.

With Albert Finney, who plays John Newton

Albert Finney was terrific in the film, in the role of John Newton. What was it like working with him?

Gruffudd: I mean, there's a lesson not just in acting, but in humanity. He was such a lovely, lovely man and treated everybody the same. It's lovely when you meet the people who are the pinnacle of their craft and their vocation, because they are usually the nicest people as well; the best are usually the nicest. He was one of the nicest actors I've had the pleasure of working with—just a delight, very funny and just full of life.

When I interviewed Michael Apted, he said he sought to portray Wilberforce's faith and conversion, but without getting preachy. Do you think the film accomplishes that?

Gruffudd: Absolutely. I think we've touched on every aspect of his life—his faith, his actions, his illness, all of it.

What did you learn about how Wilberforce's spiritual beliefs motivated him to do these things?

Gruffudd: It's funny, because he was sort of destined to be a religious man. As a child he was curious, and he was actually sent to live with his aunt and uncle for a period. That's where he John Wesley and became sort of an ardent Methodist. Wilberforce's mother was more of a conformist in the Church of England, and Methodism was a very radical religion at the time. So she tore him away from his aunt and his uncle—and he describes being devastated as a result of that. And he sort of gradually lost his faith until it returned in his early 20s.

But he also quotes in his diary that had it not been for that incident where his mother took him away from it and introduced him to high society—Wilberforce was a very rich man—he might not have pursued a career in politics. He might have become more of a meditative character, perhaps a preacher. So he's sort of grateful for that incident, and of course for his faith returning.

What about you? Did you bring any of your own spiritual beliefs into this role?

Gruffudd: Well, it wasn't foreign to me to imagine talking to God, whoever he or she may be to me personally, or to a higher being. So I didn't have to shy away from it; I sort of embraced it and saw the conviction of this man. So if I would bring in my own faith, well, to me, faith is something very personal. I've been brought up with the Christian faith with my family.

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Related Elsewhere:

Save the Wales	Printer view
Veteran producer Ken Wales, who recently finished Amazing Grace, the William Wilberforce bio-pic, now turns to John Newton's story—and a Chariots of Fire sequel.

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'A Man of Principle'	Printer view
That's how acclaimed director Michael Apted describes William Wilberforce, the subject of his latest film, Amazing Grace, which opens this week.